Sanguinetti opposed Rauner on abortion expansion

Patton announced his run following state Sen. Bill Haine’s decision to not seek re-election.

Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti was against Gov. Bruce Rauner's decision to expand taxpayer funding for abortions in Illinois, according to a statement she released on Thursday, the same day the governor signed HB40 into law.

“As a pro-life Republican, I disagree with the governor’s decision to sign HB 40," she said in the statement. "I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for a 15-year-old refugee who chose to have me and keep me. I realize this bill is a political ploy to divide the people of Illinois. While I disagree with the governor on this, we must focus on our areas of agreement — enacting real reforms we need to turn Illinois around.”

Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti | www.illinois.gov

Illinois will now allow for abortion coverage through Medicaid and state-employee insurance beyond instances of incest, rape or when the mother's health is in danger. Rauner said that he does not want any woman to have to make different decisions from other women because of income.

The law also guarantees that Illinois will keep abortion legal even if the U.S. Supreme Court reverses its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that made abortion legal nationwide.